Until I started working here I couldn't have told you anything about the VA and how it operates…read more Now that I've been working here for a year, I can tell you how some parts of the VA work but it's still mostly a mystery to me. Let's start with what I know and I know is a very important position with the VA, and that's my position as a Veterans Service Representative (VSR). So I work with claims in various states of completion. The VSR's ultimate goal is to make a claim Ready for Decision (RFD). Some claims take longer than others to get there. All decisions need to be made following specific rules and procedures in the M-21. The M-21 is so vast it's easy to get lost in there. It's so big imagine what a NYC yellow pages would look like; then stack about 10 of them. Then there are the US codes (USC) again with the phone books. Being a VSR is hard. Once a claim is sent RFD a Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR) will review the claim and hopefully will rate the claim, meaning assign percentages to the claimed disabilities which means how much money the veteran, his spouse, or children may be entitled to. There are other areas of the VA that I'm not so knowledgeable about. Such as the unit that does Higher Level Reviews, Pensions, and the Quality Review team. I hope this review does justice to how complex the VA is and specifically how complex the role of a VSR is. The rule that comes first is we are here to serve veterans and their families. Whenever making a decision, if there's a 50/50 decision situation we always choose on the side of the veteran. The VA also provides physical and mental health care services. You've probably seen the advertisements on television about suicide prevention sponsored by the VA. The VA had a bad reputation years ago. Claims were backlogged and favorable decisions weren't as common. I can tell you that we are working claims the same day that they were filled. We bend over backwards to assist the veteran. I've been working from home since I started on 09/28/21, so I just had my year anniversary. This is the toughest job I've ever loved. 2021 - Review #48

The workers are overworked and under appreciated. It's no wonder that veterans aren't getting the…read morefull service or assistance they earned. A lot of red tape and too many obstacles to navigate when trying to apply for benefits. We deserve better!

I've been a member for several years and am very impressed with how Linda Moholt directs the…read morebusiness. She is always asking, "How can I help grow your business?" She listens to new ideas, and is even learning all about social media. I've made wonderful contacts while networking at the Chamber, my favorite one so far is with NetBiz - they refer business to me almost every week. This one contact has paid for my annual chamber membership many times over.

I love the Tualatin Chamber of Commerce! I've been a member…read moreof many in different states and this one is the best. From the very first visit they directed me to people who could benefit from our services. They are incredibly engaging and provide thoughtful and interesting news and information. They work so hard to put on fun networking and educational events and keep businesses updated about important things happening in the community. I can't say enough good things about everyone I've met there. Thank you Linda, Fletcher, Tanya & Ida (I hope I didn't forget anyone!!) Rachel and the Uhaul Team!

As a frequent visitor to the Kingdom and a resident of the Portland metro area, I have felt blessed…read moreto have a consulate so conveniently located in downtown Portland. For a 60 day tourist visa, I typically wait less than 15 minutes. No waiting until the following day, like in Singapore or Paris. Mary is always prompt and friendly. Because the office is small, they were forced to discontinue visa issuances circa March, 2020. My only concern is whether they can resume issuing visas later in the year when Thailand starts to reopen to foreign tourists. I sure hope so.

Am I the first one to review this place?! Kind of surprised there aren't more reviews already?!…read moreDrove down to Portland from Seattle to get a Non-Immigrant B Visa for work in Thailand. This place is easy to find, especially with the identifiable location marker. Street parking is plentiful around the area since it is in the quiet downtown area. If not, there are plenty of paid parking garages also. Came on a weekday right after they opened at 9:00am, was the only one there. Literally handed the woman my paperwork, asked to used the bathroom, came back 3 minutes later, waited in the room for like 2 more minutes and she was done with my visa! FAST! In and out in 5 minutes! It certainly helps if you have the application pre-filled and all paperwork ready, it speed things up. Along with arriving early as possible. Their website is extremely useful for directions, information, etc. Too bad their operating hours are extremely limited (M-Th 9:00-11:30am). But if you can work around it, there shouldn't be any problems. I had a good experience with them!

These recruiters take excellent care of their recruits. If you're looking to challenge yourself,…read morefind friendships that last a lifetime, learn skills that will help you earn a livable wage, or pay for college, these guys can help you do it. Call SFC Major or SFC Cano at 503-858-2611 and they'll help you out.

In my experience, any interaction with a government agency is about as fun as having teeth pulled…read more However, both of my visits to the Multnomah County building, the first to apply for passports for my two baby sons, and the second to make a correction to a typo in one of them (not the fault of Mult. Co, BTW), the gentleman working window 8, whose name I have shamefully failed to note, was friendly, patient, and helpful, answer questions and ensuring that all forms were filled out properly, and all fees and required documents clearly specified. What could have been a painful, confusing process was mitigated by his professional attitude, knowledge, and patience. Many, many thanks to this gentleman!

Easy place to find. Free street parking. Parking Lot across the street.Came in with my Passport…read moreinfo in tact and whithin 5 minutes I was done and $135.00 less but im getting my Passport. Food of the world. You've been warned!

Wait wasn't as long as I thought it would be. If you need to meet with someone make sure to make an…read moreappoint because they don't take walk ins. I was just taking a form in they needed to get me signed up for Medicare so I had to wait in line. But it was very quick. Both ladies I saw when I went in were very nice. Trisha was super helpful the first time I went in. Nice interactions.

I've been here twice in a 2 week period. I tried to fill in…read morea form online however it wouldn't complete it and was throwing an error, so I came in person. The front person asked what I was there for and answered all my questions. FYI there is a 2 hour free parking between 9th & Evergreen off Broadway, pay attention to where you park as some are restricted. The first time I got there at 9:30am, they open at 9am and it was pretty crazy. *** I was there for a NAME CHANGE, which FYI do the SS card BEFORE your drivers license! Lesson learned as since my old license had a hole in it, they wouldn't take it. Even though I had a printed paper from the DMV that showed my new name and ok'd me for driving, I had to wait till I got my new license. 2nd time I tried to get here early prior to 9am, but Starbucks was calling my name so I landed at the SS office exactly at 9am. There was a line outside where they would let a small group of people go in at a time. ***If you can get there between 8:30-8:45, do it! You'll save loads of time waiting. ***They don't allow some drinks in to the office, coffee one of them. As soon as they told me I finished it up quick. ***don't bring in knives, guns or mace as this is a federal facility. They tell you to take it back to your car otherwise if they find something, good luck! If you're there first thing in the morning, you will get in line to enter info as to why you're there and it will print out a ticket number. Stand behind the blue line until you're up. The line isn't super obvious so people cross it and then they yell at you (not really, but a tsk tsk in a very loving way). A sign would make it easier...just saying. *** if you have a U number, it doesn't appear on the screen. No idea why it doesn't. I saw a sign that says you can make an apt online but seems like this is only for benefits. I was working on my work laptop using a hotspot thru my phone, and almost 1.5 hours from arriving, I was finally called up. It took 5-10 minutes and they gave me a page saying I should have my card within 2 weeks. Good luck!

Once a year the good men and women of Clark County Fire District #6 open their fire station to the…read moremasses. They allow young and old to come and see how they live, what they do and then add some incredible interactive displays for the kids (and kids at heart). The Tax Deduction thinks he is a fire fighter, he has scores of fire trucks, fire fighter outfits and fire fighter figures to play with. So, when we brought him back here for the second straight year he just considered himself at home among his brother and sister fire fighters. So you can imagine that the young Tax Deduction was nothing short of a sheet of teeth from beginning to end. The open house is an amazing co-operative effort with many companies including the electric company, water company, county sheriff and ambulance companies all bringing educational displays, some interactive, some not, to show young kids (and old kids) how to be safe. The fire fighters serve soda, popcorn, snow cones, hot dogs and chips all for no charge. There are some donation boots spread about for those that wish to contribute and everyone did gladly. Among the highlights were a real fire hose (small one) that the kids could spray at a wooden "fire" and when the water stream hit it the "fire" would spin. A antique fire truck was giving rides around the block. Extrication demonstrations with the jaws of life. Sheriff's K9 Unit demonstrations. A landing of a Life Flight Helicopter right on the grounds (and the kids got to climb in for a while). Fire trucks open for kids to crawl around in and much much more. One of the best things was for $10 they would sell you a quality bike helmet and have people fit it to your child properly. That is worth so much more than $10! The open house is every first Saturday of June, it is totally kid friendly and beyond. If you have a little one who's fireman or firewoman crazy this is the place.

Awesome people!!! Came out on a medical emergency and took care of it very efficiently and quickly…read more Made what was a stressful situation much easier. While they were here they noticed another issue and took care of it too!! Can't say enough good things.

Always there for the community. The staff and volunteers are dedicated, creative and focused on…read moreadvocating, connecting and championing local businesses ! Includes so much: Networking opportunities, advocacy with local government, education, mentoring and marketing for the businesses in Lake Oswego.

The Lake Oswego Chamber has helped our business grow! We have found a variety of different ways to…read morebecome involved in our community.